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Longshot Goal Left for Kurri: No. 600

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The Ducks have some unfinished business, even though they’ve clinched a playoff spot.

Four more goals, and Jari Kurri becomes only the eighth player in NHL history to score 600.

It’s a bit of a longshot with two games left, since Kurri hasn’t had a two-goal game all season, but if the Ducks get safe leads over the Kings and San Jose, don’t think they won’t be setting up Kurri.

By the way, Kurri, 36, is the Ducks’ unlikely ironman: He’s the only one who has played in all 80 games. Twice in his career, Kurri has played every game of the season, both times in 80-game seasons with Edmonton, 1982-83 and 87-88.

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This is the fifth time in 16 seasons Kurri has played at least 80 games, and he credits Duck Coach Ron Wilson for helping him do it at 36.

“He really gives guys rest and the days off they need,” Kurri said, calling Wilson among the best he’s played for at gauging players’ fatigue. “He knows you’re not going to get out of shape because of one day off. Face it, we’ve been practicing 10 months. Some coaches give you a day off, and the next day they skate you for two hours. It’s crazy. Do they think you got out of shape in one day?”

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Center J.F. Jomphe’s abdominal injury has worsened even though he hasn’t been skating, and he said doctors have set a deadline of May 1 for a decision about surgery. Jomphe hasn’t played since March 7 and his injury is similar to those that led to surgery for teammates Shawn Antoski and Frank Banham.

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